The romantically named Lover's Peak stares impassively to the sky not once casting its forlorn gaze toward the city of Antequera that lies at its feet. So named after the legend which relates of two lovers, one Christian, the other Arab who, unable to consummate their passion, threw themselves into oblivion from its heights (a trifle extreme but a powerful commentary, nevertheless, on the values of the times).
The mountain is the only consistent witness to the flow of events that has swept, unstoppable, across the Andalucian heartlands covering everything with traces of history and the dust from the feet of long vanished armies and the contemporary machines of war.
Antequera has been a centre of human activity since the Bronze Age, a fact verified by the presence to the north of mysterious dolmens, the purpose of which remains locked in time. It's antiquity wasn't lost either on the Romans who called it Antikaria or 'Ancient City' nor the Moors, who ruled here for more than 700 years and who left an indelible fingerprint, renamed the city Antaqira, the basis for its modern-day label.
 In 1410 the city fell definitively into Christian hands. The prince, Fernando, later converted into King of Aragon, was the hero of the moment and his statue still stands vigil over one of the many town squares, the walls of the fortress of his ancient enemies standing ominously behind his shoulders.
Today Antequera is a sleepy town, proud of its heritage and playing its part in the renaissance of Spain as a modern European country. Monuments are the city's crown jewels. Buildings and constructions representing just about every phase of recorded human development are everywhere.
The temple of Santa Maria the Elder, a beautiful 16th century building forms the centre of a spectacular journey. The Arabic fortress, built on roman foundations, still possesses its watchtowers, one of which houses the city bells.
There are many squares in which to relax tired feet while contemplating well preserved Arabic or Roman arches and the local “ayuntamiento”, or city hall, is a celebration of 17th and 18th century architecture.
The surrounding countryside ensures that Antequera is an ideal location for access to the great natural beauty of the region. 16km to the south of the city is the Natural Park of Torcal de Antequera where huge blocks of limestone have been remodelled by the relentless forces of wind and water creating a landscape of singular surreal beauty.
Fiestas and Events:
Fiestas of the Carnaval, 40 days before Semana Santa
Semana Santa held during March or April
Procession of the Señor de la Salud and de las Aguas - End of May
Spring Fair - 31 of May to the 2nd of June. Typical Spanish bash with lots of fino, dancing, drinking, eating and general fiestaing.
National horse trials – End of June
Festival of August – held between the 20 and 22 August. Heat, fun and mayhem.
Romeria of the Patron Saint of Antequera Our Lady de los Remedios - 8 of September
Saint Eufemia – 15th of September
More information:
http://www.turismoantequera.com/guiarural/
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